Key facts
- 1 GB = 1,024 MB; 1 TB = 1,024 GB — storage uses powers of two.
- 1 byte = 8 bits. Internet speeds are sold in bits (Mbps), downloads measured in bytes (MB).
- A “1 TB” drive shows ~931 GB on your computer — makers count in decimal, systems in binary.
- 2.5 GB = 2,560 MB.
Kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes — and bits vs bytes on top. This free data storage converter moves between bits, bytes, KB, MB, GB and TB instantly, so you can size up downloads, drives and phone storage without guessing.
Enter a value and pick your units. The converter uses binary units (1 KB = 1,024 bytes), the way operating systems report storage.
How to use
- Enter a value.
- Choose the from and to units.
- Read the answer and the full table of equivalents below.
How data conversion works
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| from-unit in bytes | Each unit’s definition in bytes (bits ÷ 8 first). |
| to-unit in bytes | The target unit’s definition in bytes. |
Each step up multiplies by 1,024 (210): KB → MB → GB → TB. Bits are converted to bytes (÷ 8) before anything else.
Worked examples
Phone storage
2.5 GB → MB: 2.5 × 1,024 = 2,560 MB.
1 TB drive → MB: 1,024 × 1,024 = 1,048,576 MB.
Internet speed vs downloads
100 Mbps connection: 100 ÷ 8 = 12.5 MB/s download speed in bytes.
Downloading 1 GB (1,024 MB) then takes 1,024 ÷ 12.5 ≈ 82 seconds — which is why a “100 meg” line doesn’t download 100 MB per second.
Data units in bytes
| Unit | Equals (bytes) | Holds about |
|---|---|---|
| Bit (b) | 0.125 | A single 0 or 1 |
| Byte (B) | 1 | One character |
| Kilobyte (KB) | 1,024 | Half a page of text |
| Megabyte (MB) | 1,048,576 | A minute of MP3 |
| Gigabyte (GB) | 1,073,741,824 | An HD film (compressed) |
| Terabyte (TB) | 1,099,511,627,776 | ~250,000 MP3 songs |
Frequently asked questions
Is 1 KB 1,000 or 1,024 bytes?
Both exist: 1,024 in binary usage (operating systems, RAM), 1,000 in decimal/SI usage (drive makers, some networks). This converter uses 1,024.
Why does my 1 TB drive show only 931 GB?
The maker counts 1 TB as 1012 bytes; your system divides by 1,024³, giving ~931 “GB”. Same drive, different ruler — no space is missing.
Bits vs bytes — what is the difference?
A byte is 8 bits. Internet speeds are advertised in megabits per second (Mbps); divide by 8 for megabytes per second (MB/s), the unit downloads use.
What comes after terabyte?
Petabyte (1,024 TB), then exabyte, zettabyte and yottabyte — each 1,024× the last.
How big is a 4K film?
Roughly 20–60 GB streamed or on disc — which is why 4K streaming wants at least a 25 Mbps connection.
Key takeaways
- 1 GB = 1,024 MB; 1 TB = 1,024 GB; 1 byte = 8 bits.
- Divide advertised Mbps by 8 to get real-world MB/s download speed.
- “Missing” drive space is decimal-vs-binary labelling, not a fault.
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